GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS


Te Industry Eye on State & Local Issues


GHBA is hard at work monitoring issues at both the local and state level. Find out what's happening, and how you can be involved.


A Glimpse at Session 82


By ADAM ASCHMANN, GHBA Government Affairs Director


You Have a Voice with GAC!


If you have questions about this article or would like to get involved on the Government Affairs Committee, call (281) 970-8970, ext. 140 or email Adam at aaschmann@ghba.org.


Straus (R-San Antonio) back to the Speakers Chair, re-elected by his 150 colleagues. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst will once again lead the State Senate. In the House, the Republicans hold a 101-49 majority, while in the Senate the majority is 19-12. The lack of a two-thirds majority in the Senate may dictate much of the session because the traditional rule requires two-thirds of the body to be in support of an item for it to pass. This leaves the Republicans two votes short.


T


All of that being said, this will be a challenging session. State Comptroller Susan Combs recently released her official Biennial Revenue Estimate. Along the lines of the estimate, lawmakers are anticipating a two year budget shortfall at the high end of the $15 to $25 billion range. The gap must be closed for 2012 and 2013. Other items under the purview of the Legislature include: redistricting, which must occur. There is also a projected shift likely to occur in State legislative seats that follows the shift in population from West Texas to I-35 and east, in addition to the four new congressional seats that have to be drawn in.


Addressing these issues alone will make for one of the most difficult sessions in a very long time. Add the issues with immigration and a voter identification bill that locked up the House of Representatives last session in 2009—and there are no sure bets.


While it may seem out of our hands, I must emphasize that it is not. It is your responsibility—as a business owner, a member of an association, and an engaged citizen—to step in and protect our


8


he 2011 Texas State Legislative Session has begun, kicking off on January 11. The beginning of session voted Representative Joe


industry and livelihood. Do your part and be there on February 23 for our 2011 Legislative Rally Day. Rally Day is your opportunity to meet with the entire Houston-area legislative delegation to voice where we stand on the issues. Rally Day is our chance to be heard. Sign up to participate by filling out the registration form located on the next page. Tear it out, and fax to Donna Buenik at (281) 970-8971.


In Other News


In addition to the State activity, GHBA Government Affairs is covering local and national areas of interest. We are continuing to work on acquisition, development and construction financing (AD&C) issues on a federal level to ensure that members have available financing. Another large national issue in 2011 will be the potential removal of the Federal Mortgage Interest Deduction on your annual taxes. This could be potentially devastating to our industry and the economy as we work through the recession towards recovery.


Locally, Harris County has approached us to discuss how they are going to evolve the processes of our builders and developers and potential fee increases. The City of Houston is currently reviewing our industry’s relationship with Chapter 42, the COH Development regulations.


Speak Up


What else you ask? We need your eyes and ears to tell us what you hear around town. Houston has one of the largest expanding areas, and it is impossible for us to be everywhere. We ask that if you hear of any potential changes of any magnitude to our industry to please get in touch with us as soon as possible. None of this is possible without your input.


FEBRUARY 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50